Dealing with Motion Sickness: Expert Tips
Traveling by boat, car, or even experiencing virtual reality can make some people feel queasy. Here’s what experts suggest to manage motion sickness effectively.
For some travelers, a catamaran sail off Oahu, Hawaii, or a camel ride through the Moroccan desert isn’t an enviable vacation experience. Instead, it’s a bout with nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats.
Motion sickness can affect nearly anyone, including children and dogs. Research indicates that more than half of all car passengers experience carsickness. Recent surveys among Indian Navy members, Icelandic fishermen, and South Carolina marine biologists reveal that up to 80 percent of those working on boats occasionally suffer from seasickness.
“We’re even seeing cybersickness now, with people looking at their phones while riding in the car or wearing glasses for a 3D movie,” says Andrea Bubka, a psychology professor at Saint Peter’s University in New Jersey, who has extensively studied motion sickness.
Here’s why motion sickness occurs and what travelers can do to prevent it.
What causes it
The exact cause of motion sickness remains elusive to scientists, as some individuals may immediately feel nauseated upon boarding a boat, while others can comfortably engage in lengthy activities like reading during car rides. Nonetheless, several theories have been proposed.
One widely accepted explanation is sensory conflict, which stems from a misalignment between visual perception and bodily sensations. Marcello Cherchi, a neurologist at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, notes, “Human beings did not evolve to travel in space shuttles and use virtual-reality video games.”
Sensory conflict occurs when the body senses the rocking of an ocean ferry or the abrupt movements of a bus navigating mountainous terrain, while the eyes, ears, and other sensory organs fail to register the same motion. This incongruity can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, dizziness, upset stomach, or headaches.
However, some scientists propose an alternative theory known as the “postural stability theory.” According to proponents like Tom Stoffregen, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Minnesota, individuals may experience motion sickness because they fail to adjust their posture or movements in accordance with the motion of the transport. Stoffregen explains, “On a boat or plane, you have to learn to move differently—like sailors who get their ‘sea legs’ after a few days. The key is physical control of your body, and some individuals adapt more quickly than others.”
Additionally, genetics may also contribute to susceptibility to motion sickness. A study in 2015 involving 480,000 customers of the DNA-testing company 23andme identified 413 genetic markers—many associated with balance or the development of the eyes, ears, and cranium—that could predispose individuals to motion sickness.
Preventing motion sickness
Preventing motion sickness is often simpler than dealing with its symptoms. Hydration and ensuring good airflow during travel, such as by opening windows in a car, using air vents on planes, or spending time on the deck of a cruise ship, can be effective strategies.
“Be mindful of your diet while traveling,” advises Bubka. Consuming foods or beverages that upset your stomach on solid ground—whether it’s overeating, excessive alcohol or caffeine intake—can exacerbate symptoms of motion sickness.
“Maximize your visibility to prevent motion sickness,” recommends Natascha Tuznik, a travel medicine specialist at the University of California Davis. “When at sea, focus on the horizon, and opt for the front seat in a car to have a clear view of the road ahead.” Keeping your gaze fixed on what lies ahead helps synchronize your eyes and inner ears with other bodily functions, reducing the likelihood of motion sickness.
Avoiding triggers and anti-nausea training
Some studies propose that engaging in physical or mental exercises could potentially reduce susceptibility to motion sickness. The Puma Method, initially devised for airsick pilots by a flight surgeon, incorporates yoga-like stretches and angular movements to build resistance against nausea. A 2020 study conducted at the University of Warwick in England revealed that subjects who participated in 15-minute visuospatial training exercises, such as locating hidden objects in puzzles or folding paper, experienced reduced motion sickness symptoms during subsequent car rides.
“These approaches offer a medication-free alternative,” notes Cherchi. “However, they may involve significant discomfort, particularly in the initial stages.”
Individuals prone to motion sickness can also employ a strategy known as “trigger avoidance,” which involves steering clear of activities that trigger nausea. For instance, if long bus rides induce discomfort, consider renting a car and opting for the front seat or driving yourself. Those susceptible to seasickness may opt for flat-water river cruises or select larger oceangoing vessels known for smoother rides.
Medication—or gadgets—might help
Another option to alleviate travel-induced nausea is the use of over-the-counter motion sickness medications, such as Dramamine, or doctor-prescribed Scopolamine patches worn behind the ear. Both are anticholinergics, acting to block and inhibit the central nervous system, thus inducing a calming effect on the muscles in the stomach and bowels.
However, these medications are most effective when taken shortly before embarking on a journey and may cause drowsiness. Additionally, some individuals may have health conditions that prevent their use. Stoffregen suggests an alternative for those hesitant to take pills: ginger chews or gingersnaps. “There’s ample evidence supporting the effectiveness of ginger in reducing nausea,” he explains.
Various gadgets claim to alleviate motion sickness as well. Pressure-point wristbands, based on acupressure principles, are available in a range of models, from basic and affordable to advanced and expensive. Another option is anti-nausea glasses, introduced to the market approximately two years ago, featuring liquid-filled frames and four round, glass-free lenses. These glasses aim to simulate an artificial horizon by utilizing the movement of the liquid within the frames.
While many users report feeling relief when using these devices during travel, scientific studies have yet to fully validate their effectiveness. “Nevertheless, if there’s a placebo effect and you don’t experience sickness, then the investment is worthwhile,” remarks Stoffregen.
